Isha Khanna: A Brand Ambassador

Isha Khanna, a junior double majoring in marketing and psychology, serves as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator at the Gephardt Institute. A veteran of the institute since her sophomore year, Isha is on the communications team, working to build awareness of institute initiatives through a variety of social media platforms, e-newsletters, and print materials.

“The position is dynamic,” Isha said, “because I get to continuously interact with our faculty and student staff and promote their diverse initiatives. One week, I might craft a robust Facebook campaign for a university-wide blood drive, and the next, I am brainstorming ways to revitalize voter engagement outreach on the South Forty.” Isha noted that because they work across all teams, the communications team is at the “heart of the institute.”

Student staff members also play a fundamental role in being brand ambassadors for the Gephardt Institute, and each one is passionate about programs in their own way. Isha views the institute as a valuable resource “that truly helps students connect with campus and community.” St. Louis is an integral part of the campus’s identity, and she believes the institute provides students with “many opportunities to engage and reflect on their new home with initiatives like Each One Teach One, Meet St. Louis, and community-engaged teaching.” She also feels the institute equips “individuals with the knowledge, resources, and capabilities to better their communities in whatever form they deem necessary.”

Isha will be spending the spring 2018 semester abroad with WashU’s business program at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. She plans to utilize her experiences at the institute and remain an engaged citizen by immersing in Italy’s nonprofit sector and her community-based courses.

“It’s impossible to leave my work experiences behind when I am abroad,” she summed. “Gephardt has a culture of inspiration, a cycle where inspiring people tackle important issues and end up inspiring those around them. I intend to take some of that inspiration with me abroad, and channel my passion for community engagement in a unique culture.”

To learn more about our dynamic team of part-time student staff and how they advance our vision of engaged citizens and thriving communities, visit our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages, which feature a new “Friday Features” series. You can also learn about the Gephardt Student Internship Program on our website.